GPA secures US$120 million for sustainable port upgrades
At a Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) meeting, President and CEO Griff Lynch announced plans to enhance operational sustainability in Savannah and Brunswick, supported by three federal grants totalling over US$120 million.
Griff Lynch commented, “We are constantly looking for ways to be a good steward for our local communities near our ports in Savannah and Brunswick. These federal grants will help us reduce the community impact of our ship, rail and truck traffic operations and emissions. We’d like to thank our federal partners for their role in supporting our plans to reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen our business resiliency.”
A US$49.8 million grant from the Maritime Administration will fund a new power supply network at the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal, ensuring continuous electricity for temperature-sensitive cargo during emergencies.
This is part of a broader initiative to transition from diesel to electric-powered yard equipment, with GPA matching the grant with US$88.2 million.
Furthermore, the US Environmental Protection Agency awarded GPA US$48.7 million for shore power infrastructure at four berths (three in Savannah, one in Brunswick). This will allow ocean carriers to shut off engines while docked, reducing carbon emissions by 13,000 tons annually and cutting pollutants like nitrogen oxides. The EPA grant will also fund 16 electric terminal trucks and their charging infrastructure, replacing older diesel models.
Additionally, GPA is building an overpass at Ocean Terminal in Savannah to improve truck access directly to the interstate, reducing traffic on local streets. The project is 60% complete.
“While the US$29 million grade separation may have been more costly, the Georgia Ports Board chose this option to maintain the highest quality of life for our neighbours,” mentioned Kent D. Fountain, chairman of GPA Board.
The Georgia Ports Authority has also secured US$26.5 million from the US Department of Transportation to advance Phase II of the Colonel’s Island Rail Improvements at the Port of Brunswick.
In partnership with Genesee & Wyoming Inc., GPA will match the grant with US$27.6 million to complete a new railyard designed to accommodate the increasing volume of automotive imports and exports.
Meanwhile, Phase I of the rail project, funded by GPA at US$22 million, is currently under construction. Once both phases are complete, the expansion will add nearly 500,000 Ro/Ro units of annual rail capacity, bringing the total to approximately 700,000 units.
